Organically modified silica-based SiliaCat S-Pd and SiliaCat DPP-Pd are highly reactive and reusable heterogeneous catalysts. Their robustness, high turnover and leach-resistant properties are shown in palladium-catalyzed reaction such as Suzuki, Sonogashira and Heck leading to metal-free coupling products.

Reduction of acetophenone by Daucus carota hairy root cultures afforded (S)-phenylethanol in high yield (96%) and excellent enantiomeric excess (ee>or=98%). Aromatic ketones, keto esters, and a simple aliphatic ketone were reduced with good stereoselectivity (ee=62-98%) and moderate to high chemical yields (25-90%).

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